7 Things from the 1970s That Boomers Still Use

The 1970s brought us disco, bell-bottoms, and some truly revolutionary inventions that changed everyday life.

While many trends from that groovy decade have faded away, baby boomers continue to embrace certain items that prove their lasting value. These products and habits from fifty years ago remain useful, reliable, and surprisingly relevant in our modern world.

1. Rotary Phones and Landlines

Remember the satisfying click-click-click of dialing a number?

Many boomers still keep their landline phones connected, even if they own a cell phone.

Landlines never run out of battery, and they work during power outages if you have an old-fashioned corded model.

The sound quality is often clearer than cell phones, making conversations easier to hear.

Plus, there is something comforting about having a phone number that stays with your home rather than following you everywhere.

Emergency services can trace landline calls more accurately too.

Some folks just prefer the reliability of a technology that has worked perfectly for decades without needing constant updates or apps.

2. Paper Road Maps

GPS might be convenient, but it can fail you at the worst possible moment.

Boomers who grew up navigating cross-country road trips with paper maps still keep them in their glove compartments.

These folded guides never lose signal, run out of battery, or take you down a closed road because the data is outdated.

Reading a physical map also gives you a better sense of geography and helps you understand where you are in relation to other places.

You can see the whole route at once instead of following turn-by-turn directions blindly.

Many people find planning trips with a paper map spread across the kitchen table more enjoyable than staring at a tiny phone screen too.

3. Manual Can Openers

While electric can openers seem high-tech, they occupy valuable counter space and can break over time.

The simple manual can opener from the 1970s still works perfectly without needing electricity or batteries.

Boomers appreciate tools that do their job reliably without unnecessary complications.

These handheld devices are easy to clean, never jam, and last for decades with minimal care.

You can toss one in your camping gear or emergency kit without worrying about power sources.

When the power goes out during a storm, you will be glad you kept that old-school opener in your kitchen drawer.

Sometimes the simplest solution really is the best one available.

4. Checkbooks and Paper Checks

Digital payments are everywhere now, but many boomers still write checks for certain purchases.

Checks provide a paper trail that helps with budgeting and record-keeping.

You can see exactly where your money went without logging into apps or scrolling through digital statements.

Some businesses, especially small local ones, prefer checks because they avoid credit card processing fees.

Paying bills by mail with a check feels more secure to people who worry about online banking security.

Plus, there is something satisfying about physically writing out a payment and knowing it is done.

Checkbooks also work when technology fails or websites crash during payment processing.

5. Alarm Clocks with Physical Bells

That loud ringing sound might seem harsh, but it definitely gets you out of bed!

Boomers who still use wind-up or plug-in alarm clocks avoid the temptation to scroll through their phones first thing in the morning.

These clocks have one job, and they do it without distractions or notifications.

The ticking sound can be soothing at night, and you never worry about your alarm failing because your phone died overnight.

Physical alarm clocks also keep screens out of the bedroom, which sleep experts say improves rest quality.

Plus, you cannot hit snooze seventeen times when you have to physically turn off a loud, jangling bell across the room.

6. Handwritten Address Books

Smartphones store thousands of contacts, but what happens when you lose or break your phone?

Boomers who maintain handwritten address books never worry about losing important phone numbers and addresses.

These small notebooks with alphabetical tabs sit by the telephone or in a desk drawer, always accessible.

Writing down contact information helps you remember it better than just saving it digitally.

You can also add personal notes like birthdays, anniversary dates, or favorite gift ideas next to each entry.

When technology fails or you need to look up a number quickly without unlocking devices and searching apps, that old address book comes through every single time without fail.

7. Vinyl Collections

There’s something magical about the gentle crackle of a vinyl record spinning on a turntable.

For many Boomers, this isn’t just music—it’s a journey back in time to an era of iconic rock bands and unforgettable melodies.

Vinyl collections have seen a resurgence in popularity, but for those who grew up in the 70s, these records never went out of style.

They offer a tangible connection to memories of youth, with every pop and hiss adding character to the experience.

Interestingly, vinyl sales have outpaced CDs in recent years, proving that sometimes, old-school is the best school.